Hi All — Happy Tuesday!
I hope you are doing well. It’s quite cloudy over here, but we’re pushing through. In this piece I want to take you behind-the-scenes into the tech and gadgets that make IEYL possible. In here you’ll also get more insights into how I listen to the music and what type of hardware I use to write my articles.
Enjoy!
Vinyl
At our place we actually have two vinyls. One of them has a really nice set of speakers as well as a CD and cassette player. It’s quite state of the art. The other one is far more mobile. I use this second one when I want to listen to the vinyl at different rooms around the house. I have a bunch of vinyls so I occasionally put them on during the weekend to experience music in a more intimate and sophisticated way.
CD Player
Throwback to how it all began. I used to make custom mix cd’s with my sister way back when in the early 2000’s. We would stuff tracks in there by artists like Ciara, Chris Brown, and Bow Wow. It was sooooo much fun. It was my first time isolating the songs I liked and putting them in one place to listen as much as I’d want. In the past couple years I’ve bought a new CD player to play a bunch of CD’s I have around the house. The “Thank You” section is probably my favorite part of the CD packet. On the back page there’s usually some insights into the project that are shared. It also is really nice to read what appears like a personal note from the artist themselves.
Spotify
For the most part, I use Spotify to listen to music. I used to go back and forth between Apple Music and Spotify, but those days are done. The playlist, interface, and social media aspect of Spotify is insanely better, and more nuanced. I always felt like I was quickly put into a musical box on Apple Music. On Spotify, I’m quick to spread out and experience different sounds. On this streaming service I create monthly playlists and am constantly adding new artist and projects to my library page.
Headphones
When it comes to album reviews or acoustic project listens I use my headphones. These are open-back headphones so the music is quick to bleed out into the room. Therefore, I tend to use these headphones sparingly, and in my room. These are not the type of headphones to bring outside. For one, you would look absolutely ridiculous. However, the sound these headphones project is crisp. Plus, the music from these things still sound just as good as it did two years ago.
Earphones
I’m floating between two earphones now, the Beats Powerbeats and the Jaybird Vista 2’s. I love them both equally, but right now the Powerbeats are taking charge as I buy a replacement charger for the Jaybird’s. These earphones are for daily use and accompany me most of the day, no matter where I go. Earphones have became much more expensive over the years, but what I appreciate is how immersive their sound has become. Now, many of them compete comfortably with headphones.
IPad
As I work to buy a new laptop, my beautiful iPad Pro has taken on my music writing tasks. Currently writing on one, the iPad is the home to most of the articles you’ve read by IEYL. The easy-to-clip on keyboard and small size makes it the perfect on-the-go mini laptop for my busy schedule. Whether on I’m on a bus, car, train, or plane, I am comfortable with taking this bad boy out and writing up a quick piece or even jotting down passionate ideas. Eventually, I’ll have a laptop to carry on most of these tasks (my old one is in its retirement phase), but in the meanwhile, the iPad will continue carrying the torch.
Ko-fi (Tips)
Music is definitely my safe space and writing about it is more than therapeutic for me. Of course, these things take time and tons of focus to complete. If you ever want to support my work feel free to leave a tip in my Ko-fi account! I would be forever grateful. :’)
Thank you again for subscribing! Take Care
Loved this insight. The fact you have so many methods reinforces the fact you are a music LOVER. I have a very small collection of vinyl, CDs and cassettes myself. I mostly listen on Spotify too tho.